From the moment he came into the world, Austin has faced more challenges than most of us will see in a lifetime. But through it all, he has met every obstacle with courage, a cheeky grin, and an infectious joy that lights up every room he’s in.

Now six years old, Austin is one of the remarkable kids featured in A Little Piece of Me, an annual photographic memory making project by Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation’s (SCHF) Art Program. The project invites families of children with life-limiting conditions to capture the memories, relationships, and moments that define their child’s life in a stunning pixel portrait. These portraits, created by artist Andrew Christie, are displayed in hospital corridors across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, John Hunter Children’s Hospital, and Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) offering a beautiful celebration of each child’s story.

Austin’s story began in March 2019 with a traumatic birth that led to a severe brain injury. Diagnosed with Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE), he was resuscitated and intubated within moments of his arrival and spent his first month of life in a critical condition in the NICU. It wasn't until he was seven days old, his parents, Katelyn and Jason, got to hold him for the very first time. By four months, Austin had received a formal diagnosis of Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, along with Epilepsy and Dystonia - a neurological condition that causes painful, involuntary muscle contractions.

“Austin lives with a lot of pain and daily struggles,” says Katelyn. “But nothing ever stops him from smiling.” 

Because of his condition, Austin has limited control of his body. He is unable to safely swallow and receives all nutrition through a feeding tube. Despite these challenges, he’s completed over 500 hours of physiotherapy, speech therapy, hydrotherapy and more. 

Austin’s pixel portrait was carefully created using images that capture the most important people and memories in his life, from hospital milestones to Bear Cottage superhero parties. Choosing the 30 images was no small task, but for his family, it was worth every moment. 

“The final portrait is beautiful. We were very emotional when we saw it,” says Katelyn. “It shows Austin’s journey and the special people who’ve walked it with him.” 

The portrait’s centrepiece is a photo of Austin dressed as Superman at Bear Cottage’s Superhero Party. A fitting image for a little boy who faces the world with extraordinary strength and determination. 

Supported by both the Palliative Care team at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Bear Cottage, this experience gave them time to reflect, share their journey, and celebrate the bright spirit of their son. 

Projects like A Little Piece of Me are only possible because of the generous support of donors. By supporting Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, you’re helping honour their stories. Together, we can help more little superheroes like Austin be seen, celebrated and supported.